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AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION 

Nebraska Boys and Girls Club 



Some Common Weeds and Insects 



OF 



Nebraska Corn Fields and 
Potato Patches 




fVe-l)\ a ^ kr> . Issued Jointly By 

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC 
INSTRUCTION 
Lincoln 



DEPARTMENT OF FARMERS' 

INSTITUTES 
University of Nebraska, Lincoln 



J'-ily, 1910 



Monografh 



D. OF D. 
$Er .6 »910 



INTRODUCTION 

This bulletin is one of the series published jointly by the State Depart- 
ment , of Public Instruction and the Department of Farmers' Institutes, 
University of Nebraska, for the encouragement of the work of the Nebraska 
boys' and girls' club. The subject matter was written and compiled by 
A. E. Nelson. The bulletin is designed for the use of members in studying 
rome of the problems in the growine' of corn and potatoes. A few of the 
most troublesome weeds and insects are described. 

It is expected that by following the instructions and studying the weeds 
ond insects described, observation end investigation by members will be 
sharpened and increased to such an extent that they will continue the study 
of these pests and work out methods and means for their eradication. One 
is never thoroughly acquainted with a plant until he can call it by name. 
We recommend that each member learn the names of the weeds studied. 
The accompanying blanks are inteuied as a means to aid in observing the 
essential points connected with the study of weeds. 

For many of the illustrations in this bulletin, we are indebted to the 
agricultural colleges of Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois, from which states the 
cuts were borrowed. We have alco rephotographed some of the excellent 
illustrations in the text entitled "Weeds of Canada." 

One of the most encouraging features of our work is the co-operation 
Of those most interested in the encouragement of good things for the state. 
This bulletin is printed for us by the Nebraska Farmer Publishing Company 
as a substantial evidence of their appreciation of the boys' and girls' work 
in Nebraska. The Nebraska Farmer takes this means of expressing its 
desire to do all they can for the promotion of the work. 

The following bulletins relating to the September and October work 
in the ear to row test and the seed piece experimenit and on harvesting corn 
and potatoes, and on the acre and husking contest will be sent to all mem- 
bers who make the required reports. The reports on weeds and insects 
should be mailed not later than August 15, 1910. 

E. C. BISHOP, 
State Superintendent Public Instruction. 

VAL KEYSER, 
Superintendent Farmers' Institutes, 
July 1, 1910. Universitv of Nebraska. 



>■ 'h'° V^ 



WEEDS 



The old saying, "The Weed follows the Plow," has stood the test of 
time and experience. When Nebraska was a wild prairie, unmolested by 
man, very few weeds were found; but as the plow broke the soil, weeds 
came in from other states by railroads, by streams, by birds, rabbits, horses, 
and other animals, until at the present time they have become a serious pest. 

Any plant out of place might be coasidered a weed; for instance, oats 
or corn in a potato patch could be considered a weed, as such plants would 
doubtless be injurious to the best development of the potato crop. However, 
from the farmer's standpoint a weeu is "any injurious, troublesome, or un- 
sightly plant that is at the same time useless, or comparatively so." 

Weeds cause considerable loss by: 

1. Robbing the soil of plant food and moisture that should develop the crop. 

2. Reducing the value of the farm by making it unsightly, unprofitable, etc. 

3. Choking out other crops by shading and excluding the sunlight. 

4. Increasing the cost of every operation on the farm, as harrowing, 
fanning, plowing. 

5. Harboring many insects or fungus diseases which later attack culti- 
^ated plants. 

6. Poisoning or injuring stock, tainting milk, irritating the mouth of 
stock when eating hay containing weeds. 

One should always bear in mind that preventing weeds from coming 
on to the place is much more profitable and sensible than to try to destroy 
them after they have once gained a foothold. However, any weed can be 
destroyed by persistent effort and a perfect understanding of its nature 
and habits. The farmer should always plant seed that is free from weed 
seed. No weed seeds should be allowed to mature. Wihen animals are 
transferred from one farm to another their hair should be carefully examined 
for cockleburs, burdocks, etc. This is especially true of horses and sheep. 
Every precaution should be taken to prevent ihe introduction of weeds. 
A short rotation of crops is without doubt the most sensible and practical 
method of preventing or eradicating most of the common weeds and insects 
which infest the fields of Nebraska. 



CLASSIFICATION AND METHODS OF DESTRUCTION: 

Generally apeaking, weeds are divided insto three classes — annual, bien- 
nial, and perennial. 

Annual: When speaking of annual plants we mean those which live 
but one year and then die down. Black Mustard, Great Rag Weed, and 
Foxtail for examples. These can be destroyed by stopping the production 
of seed. However, it will be necessary to watch them very closely, as the 
seeds of some annual plants can live in the ground for a number of years. 
As these seeds are moved near the surface of the soil by plowing and har- 
rowing they will begin to grow. Therefore, by merely cutting off the tope 
each year and thus preventing seeding, one only reduces the number of 
weeds. If the plants have been allowed to seed, some farmers practice 
burning off the dead weeds and in doing so destroy a great many of the 
seeds that would otherwise form plants. They then plow shallow, leaving 
the seeds near the surface. This causes the seeds to germinate quickly, 
when they cam be destroyed by shallow cultivation. 

Many farmers do not put any crop on the land when they ai'e treating it 
as mentioned above, but in most sections this is considered a needless waste. 
Crops that can be cultivated the greater part of the season, such as corn, 
potatoes, beets, cabbage, etc., can be raised at the same time that the weeds 
are being destroyed without materially interfering with the operation. 

• These annual weeds usually grow where the ground has been plowed. 
Therefore, it does not seem wise to allow ground ro remain without a crop 
after it has once been broken. Sometimes such v/eeds as Foxtail, Barnyard 
Grass, and many others are often allowed to go to seed in gardens, potato 
patches, etc. These can be destroyed by mowing a short time after the 
harvesting is done. 



Biennials: — These are plants that live two years and then die. They 
spend the first year in storing up nourishment which they use the second 
year in producing a good crop of seeds. A great many biennial plants, such 
as radishes, have fleshy or taproots. Examples of biennial weeds are wild 
carrot, burdock, an)d wild parsnip. 

These plants are often caused to spread or send out more shoots when 
cut off above the ground. If cut off below the crown with a spade, dandelion 
digger, or hoe they generally die. In the fall of the first year one will often 
see biennial plants sending up small shoots upon which to produce next 
year's seed. They should be cut below the crown with some sharp instru- 
ment at this time, as they are more tender than they would be a year later. 

Biennial weeds are easily destroyed by putting the ground into such 
crops as beets, corn, potatoes, etc. They are, however, often found in 
fence lines, old hay meadows, waste places, etc., where it is impossible to 
cultivate. In such places the mower, spade, fire, etc., can be brought into use. 



Perennials: — Plants which live from year to year for an indefinite length 
of time are called perennials. Some of the immense trees in the forests of 
California and Mexico are known to be hundreds of years old. Canada 
Thistle, Soap Weed, Quack Grass, and Yellow Dock are examples of perennial 
weeds. Some perennials die down each winter, while others keep a rosette 
of green leaves above the ground the entire year. 

Many of these plants not only produce seeds, but also have "underground 
Ptems" that travel through the soil and send up shoots at irregular distances. 
Quack Grass. Milk Weed, and many other weeds are propagated in this 
v/ay. Othei*» reproduce themselves by sending out roots wherever a joint of 
the stem touches the ground. To destroy weeds of this class, all production 
of seeds must be stopped and in most cases the roots and other parts below 
the surface of the ground must be destroyed. The production of seeds can 
be prevented by mowing before the seeds are formed. One must pursue 
different methods when destroying the portion below the ground, as much 
depends on the size of the piece of ground infested, the character of the 
plant and soil, etc. The following suggestions can be beneficially employed 
when «ombating weeds of the perennial class. 

Where only small plots are affected, tar or building paper can be laid 
on the ground over the plants, and small pegs driven into the ground along 
the edges to hold the paper in place. The roots can also be dug up and 
lemoved. Certain chemioels, such as crude sulphuric acid, coal oil, and 
carbolic aeid have been used very successfully, their great drawback being 
lUe expense necessarily involved when applied. Wken the plot is near the 
barnyard it is often advisable to place a hog lot over it. If the hogs are 
fed on tie worst infested place they soon stamp out the weeds. Another 
method commonly used in) pasture is to place lumps of rock salt on the 
Areas aiTected. The rains dissolve the salt, which either hinders materially 
or entirely destroys the weeds. As the cattle generally visit the salt several 
times in the course of a day, they stamp out the remainder of the weeds. 

The building of hay and straw stacks upon &mall patches has met with 
limited success. Sheep, hogs, and the unlimited use of the hoe and spade 
ere to be recommended. In fact, any method that will keep the plant from 
coming above the ground for onte season will destroy it forever. Where 
larger areas are infested, "smother cro-ps" are often used. Examples of 
these crops are Hemp, Buckwheat, Millet, Cane, Milo Maize, Sorghum, and 
Kafir Corn. When this method is to be employed, the ground should be 
Etirred from early spring until the crop is sown. This cultivation can best 
be done with the plow, disk, and harrow. When the plow is used it should 
be very sharp, otherwise the roots and vines are dragged to other parts of 
the field where they may agairt start to grow, hence enlarging the area in- 
fested. Sow the seed at such a time as will encourage quick germination. 
The heavy foliage of the plants cover the ground, excluding sunlight and 
air. If a piece of ground infested is properly planted to smother crops two 
or three years in succession, the soil will be left practically free of all 
obnoxious weeds. 



SUNFLOWERS 
(Genus-Helianthus) 

The different varieties of sunflowers of Nebraska are so well known 
that little description is necessary. They are rough, awnual plants, growing 
from four to ten feet in height. Their leaves are ovate with rough edges 
and very distinct veining. The flowers appear from July to September and 
are brownish in the center with a fringe of yellow sepals. The sunflower is 
reproduced by angular grayish-white seeds about one-half inch long. 

Owing to the long period of time the sunflower seeds will retain their 
vitality in the ground, they are especially hard to eradicate. As the plant 
is an annual, any method that will stop the production of seeds each season 
will in the end destroy the pest. 



REDROOT PIGWEED 
(Genus-Amaranthus) 




Redroot Pigweed 



This weed is an annua] with a pinkish fleshy taproot; grows from two 
to four feet high and has a rough prickly stem. The leaves are ovate in 
shape and heavily veined. The pale green flowers appear in bunches. The 
seeds are circular, shiny, and of different shades of black. They are com- 
monly found in all grass seeds and are its only means of spreading. The 
methods commonly employed in destroying aninuals — pulling, preventing the 
production of seed by mowing, short rotation of crops, etc. — will destroy 
pigweeds. 



HORSE NETTLE OR BULL NETTLE 
(Genus-Soianum) 

The horse nettle is seldom injurious in Nebrasiva except irt the eastern 
part. Thi.3 plant spreads rather slowly, as the seeds are very seldom found 
ill commercial seeds. Practically the only method it has of spreading from 
cne section of the country to another is by means of birds. 

The purplish white flowers of the horse nettle which appear from June 
to October r-esemble those of the potato, to which it is closely related. It 
grows from eight to twenty-lour inches in height and its branches are covered 
with stiff hairs and sharp spines or "stickers." The leaves are shaped some- 
v/hat like those of an oak tree and have spines on the larger veins. The 
seeds are produced on the branches in little berries. The plant is also re- 
produced by rootstocks which send up shoots at irregular distances. This 
plant thrives best in loose, sarldy soil which is easily penetrated by its roots 
and it is very little affected by ordinary cultivation. It can be destroyed by 
pulling, grubbing, and spudding and by the use of smother crops. 



DOCKS 
(Genus-Rumex) 




Curled Dock 



There are many kinds of docks but the two most common in this section 
fire the pale-leaved and the curled. Both are perennial. The leaves of the 
pale-leaved species are somewhat paler and larger than the curled, wrinkled 
leaves of the curled variety. The pale green flowers appear during June and 
August. The angular seeds are ripe by September. The hull surrounding 



the seed is so constructed that the seeds float easily. This is the chief 
reason why docks are so commonly found on low or overflow ground. 

Pulling by hand when the ground is wet is one of the most successful 
methods of eradicating the pest. However, when they are too numerous th« 
spade and mower must be used. Care in/ planting clean seed and when 
possible a rotation of crops are the best preventives. 



THE RUSSIAN THISTLE 
(Genus-Satsota) 




Russian Thistle 

The Russian thistle is an annual found in nearly every part of the state. 
Once it was thought to be one of our most serious weed pests, but at the 
present time it is not so considered. It is a much-branched plant that grows 
from one to three feet high. As the plant matures it becomes more spher- 
ical in shape. • The flowers are small and not easily detected. The seeds 
are dull gray in color, irregular in shape, rather small, and are commonly 
found in commercial grass seeds. Ini the fall, the plant breaks loose at its 
base and rolls over the ground, scattering seeds at every bound. 

The Russian thistle dies when cut off at the surface of the ground; 
therefore it is not a serious pest in well-cultivated fields. Th^ roadsides, 
pastures, meadows, etc., where the thistle is common should be mowed before 
seeding time. If this practice is continued for two or three years the 
Russian thistle can easily be eradicated. However, one man who fails to 
destroy the thistles growing on his place can infest the entire neighborhood 
because of the tumbling nature of the weed. 

BUFFALO-BUR 
(Genus-Solanum) 

The buffalo-bur is a native of the west but has gradually worked east 
until it is found in all parts of Nebraska. It resembles the horse nettle, 
and, like it, is related to the potato. However, it differs in that it has very 
spiny burs, in place of smooth berries, and has yellow flowers, also more 
and stranger spines than are generally found on the horse ruettle. The burs 
become fastened to rabbits and other animals, by which means the blaok, 
irregular seeds are scattered far and wide. As the plants are somewhat 
bushy, they sometimes break loose at the surface of the ground and tumble 
long distances, scattering their seeds as they go. 

As the buffalo-bur is an annual, it can be destroyed by cutting before 
speeding. The seeds are found in alfalfa and clover. The plants are seldom 
found in fields that are thoroly cultivated. 



RAGWEEDS 
(Genus-Ambrosia) 

The two ragweeds commonly seen in this country are the ''smaller" and 
"greater" ragweeds. These pests are both annuals. Both are found along 
roadsides, low ground and waste places, but the smaller ragweed is very 
common in cornfields. The greater ragweed grows from four to eight feet 
high but the smaller species seldom attain a height to exceed four feet. The 
stems of both kinds are very rough and the leaves divided. The flowers are 
pale green in color and curing a certain stage in their development will 
leave a red stain on the skin if pressed between the thumb and first finfeer. 
The brown, urn-shaped, beaked, tapering seeds are found in oats, wheat, barley, 
and other grains, from which they are especially hard to separate. The 
seeds retain their vitality for many years. This weed may be eradicated by 
pulling, mowing, burning, or any other method that will either prevent 
seeding or destroy all seeds formed. 



SANDBUR 
(Genus-Solanum) 




Sandbur 



The sandbur is an annual so well known that very little description is 
necessary. When small it somewhat resembles foxtail. , It grows to be about 
one foot high and is much branched. The seeds ripen from July to Novem- 
ber and are enclosed in a manJy-pointed bur, which is much more painful to 
come in contact with than the cocklebur, as the points are much sharper. 
The burs are scattered by becoming attached to passing animals. 

The sandbur can be eradicated by destroying the plant with fire or the 
mower each year. Land planted to corn or other hoed crops should be 
cultivated thoroly. 

10 



DEVIL'S SHOESTRING OR MARSH SMARTWEED 
( Genus-Polygon um) 




Marsh Smartweed 



This perennial weed is especially troublesome in low, wet places and 
iii very hard to destroy. It grows from one to three feet in height. The 
flowers which appear during July and August resemble those of the heart's- 
ease. The leaves are much the same shape as those of the heart's-ease, 
altho they are somewhat larger and much more numerous. The plant 
grows from seeds which ripeni during August and September and from large, 
heavy, woody rootstocks that make ground containing the pest especially 
hard to plow. Turning the rootstocks to the sun by deep plowing is effectire 
as well as other methods employed in destroying perennials mentioned in 
the fore part of this bulletin 

11 



HEART'S-EASE 
(Genus-Polygonum) 





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Heart's-Ease 



This plant is an annual, growing from one to two and one-half feet 
high. The leaves are rather Joujg and narrow, with a distinctly bitter taste. 
'L'he flowers are usually of a pink color and appear during July and August. 
The seeds ripen during August and September. This weed is most com- 
monly found on low ground in cornfields. It is also often seen along fence 
lines and hog lots, where it is not eaten because of its bitter, acid taste. It 
can be eradicated by thoro cultivation and the prevention of seeding. 



12 



BARNYARD GRASS 
(Genus-Panicurn) 
This weed does its greatest damage to hoed crops in low wet places. 
It is also commonly found along fence lines, in waste places, etc. Barnyard 
grass is an annual of heavy foliage growing from one to three feet high. 
The leaves are wide, with a very heavy midrib. Its green flowers appear 
fiom June to August. The seeds ripen from July to September. The seeds 
are produced on rather a loose spike resembling somewhat German millet. 
Thoro cultivation and preveiDtiijg the formation of seeds will destroy this pest 





Barnyard Grass 



Crab Grass 



CRAB GRASS OR FINGER GRASS 
(Genus-Panicum) 

Crab grass is an annual commonly found in lawns and in some cases 
troublesome in cornfields. It varies in height from six inches to three feet 
and spreads on the ground. It frequently takes roots where the joints come 
in contact with the earth, making it rather hard to eradicate. The seeds are 
produced on spikes, hence the name "Finger grabs." Thoro cultivation and 
continual mowing to prevent seeding Avill destroy crab grass. 



13 



QUACK GRASS 
(Genus-Agropyrum) 




Quackgrass 



Quack grass has been a troublesome perennial weed in certain) sections 
east of the Missouri river for many years, but it is only recently that it has 
become well established in Nebraska. Quack grass is of little value as 
hay, for the leaves are too lough to be palatable and the growth is so sparse 
that very little is produced on an acre. When the plant is young it greatly 
resembles timothy. When it becomes older the leaves beconle narrow, some- 
what light in color, and rough on the edges. It grows to a height varying 
from sixteen to twenty-four inches. The seeds are borne on a stem which 
is bare at the base. The arrangement of the seeds is similar to peren- 
nial rye grass. This weed is also propagated by underground stems which 
send up sprouts at irregular intervals. Owing xo the ease with which the 
roots start to grow, it is an especially hard weed to eradicate. Pieces of 
roots catch in the plow, harrow, cultivator, or other machinery and scatter 
the pest over great areas. It seems that any part of the root, no matter how 
small, which is broken off and carried to arkother place will start to grow. 

The most practical method of combating quack grass depends much on 
the area infested. Where only found in spots, digging up and removing the 
roots will be found the most effective method of destruction. In case an 
acre or more is infested, the use of smother crops described ia the fore 
part of this bwlletin is more practical. 



14 



FOXTAILS 

(Genus-Setaria) 




Foxtail 



These «-eeds are aruuuals. The two kinds of foxtails commonly found 
in our cornfields are yellow and green. However, the same general method 
of eradication applies to each. They grow from one to two feet high, with 
leaves about five or six inches long. The seeds are borne at the end of 
spikes and somewhat resemble millet. These weeds are so well known that 
a detailed description is not necessary. It is estimated that one plant will 
produce about three thoufsanld seeds. These seeds retain their vitality for 
a long time. Clean cultivation and not allowing the plants to bear seeds 
iwe the best known remedies of eradication. 



15 



COCKLEBUR 

(Genus-Xanthium) 




Cooklebur 



The cocklebur is an annual so well known that a description seems 
useless. It is commonly found on low and flood ground. Each bur contains 
two flowers which later produce seeds. One of these seeds germinates the 
first spring while the other usually does not start to grow until some later 
season; however, both seeds have been known to produce plants the same 
year. The cocklebur riot only damages the growing crop, but because of the 
indigestibility of the husks and the barbs with which they are protected, it 
is especially injurious to stock. The burs are scattered from one field to 
another by water, also by rabbits, dogs, and other animals. Stock trans- 
ferred from one farm to another should be examined carefully and all burs 
removed. 

Pulling all plants before seeding, year after year until all the seeds in 
the ground have germinated, is practically the onJly successful method of 
destroying cockleburs. This usually takes three or four years. Seeding 
to grass and pasturing close with hogs has also proved effective. However, 
If the plants become large the hogs will refuse to eat them. 



16 



MORNING-GLORIES 
(Genus-Convolulus) 




Morning-Glory 



The most troublesome morning-glories are the deep-rooted perennial 
kinds with many fleshy rootstocks which send ap shoots at irregular inter- 
vals. These twine themselves around any plant growing within reach^ using 
them for supports and ;3mothering them out. The leaves are about one 
and one-half inches long and heart-shaped. The funnel or trumpet-shaped 
flowers are usually white, altho some varieties produce pink or purplish 
flowers. The flowers appear thruout the summer, while the brown, rather 
large, pear-shaped, flat-sided seeds are ripe by August. Because of the 
numerous rootstocks and the abundance of seed produced, this weed spreads 
badly and is very hard to destroy. Any part of a root dragged by a culti- 
vator, harrow, or plow to another part of the field will at once begin to 
grow. When the moining-glories are found in clover, alfalfa, or in other 
hay or pasture crops, it has been found practical to pasture to sheep or 
hogs. Man,y farmers let their spring lambs run in a cornfield infested with 
morning-glories. They report that very little damage is done to the corn 
rfter August, but many morning-glories are destroyed. A short rotation of 
crops, the liberal use of the hoe with the broad-shared surface cultivator 
have proved very effective. When large areas are affected, smother crops 
are practical and will eradicate the pests after one or two years. 



17 



THE CANADA THISTLE 
(Genus-Cuicus) 



The Canada thistle is a perennial; grows to be about three or four feet 
high, and has very deep rootstocks. The leaves are irregular and deeply 
lobed with many spines on the veinis and edges. The underside of its leaves 
are covered with fuzz or down. The pinkish flowers appear in July and 
August. The seeds are light brown, about one-eighth inch long, smooth, 
somewhat flattened and are often found in alfalfa and clover seed, chick 
feed, etc. The plant grows from both the seeds and the ruruning rootstocks 
which send up shoots every few feet. When a plant is pulled up it usually 
breaks off a few inches below the surface of the ground. This does not kill 
the pest, as another bud alomg the rootstock starts to grow at once. Any of 
the methods used to destroy the perennials will be found effective. 





Canada Thistle 



Lamb's-Quarter 



LAMB'S-QUARTER 
(Genus-Chenopodium) 

Lamb's-quarter is an annual of such variable form that a definite de- 
scription is very difficult. It is usually, however, a much-branched plant 
v.ith pale rough-edged leaves. It grows from two to six feet high. When 
5-mall the plant is generally covered with small, mealy particles. The pale 
green flowers are borne on spikes at the attachment ot the leaf to the stem 
of the plant. The seeds appear from August to November and are shiny, 
black, round, flat on one side, but convex on the other. These seeds are 
very common in commercial grass seed. As these plants are annuals, any 
method that will prevent the formation of seeds will eradicate them. 



18 



INSECTS 



Definition: — A jointed aiifiaial, having six legs and breathing thru tubes 
running thru the body. 

Classes: — For all praotical purposes ond from the standpoint of the 
farmer, all insects may be divided into two classes: sucking and biting. The 
method by which the ins^^ct secures its food determines its class. Sucking 
insects insert their tube-like mouths thru the outer bark irito the softer 
tissues and suck the sap, ruining the vitality of the plant and often causing 
its death. Chinch bugs, squash bugs and corn root aphis are insects of 
this class. The Luting insects are those that have mouths provided with 
jaws and which chew and swallow their food. Arniyworms, grasshoppers, 
cutworms, etc., are classed as biting insects. 

Because of this division^ different sprays and emulsions must be used 
to combat each class. The sucking insects can best be destroyed by having 
the poison come into direct contact with the body. This clogs the tubes 
thru which they breathe and of course results in death. The biting insects 
are destroyed by poison placed on the plants eaten by them. 

No one can successfully combat insects without knowing something of 
the life history and habits of the pests with w,hich he has to deal. It is with 
this point in mind that this bulletin has been prepared. 

ARIVIYWORM 




Army Worm Moth, Pupa and Eggs on Grass Leaf 



Grass is the natural home of the armyworm. The adult form of the 
armyworm is a brownish moth bearing a white spot in the center of each 
anterior wing. This moth usually lays its small, round, white eggs in the 
terminal leaf sheaths of small grain, timothy and other grasses. Eggs have 
been found in hay stacks, old cornstalks, and other unusual places. One 
female moth is estimated to lay in the neighborhood of six hundred eggs, 
which hatch in from eight to ten days. The larva feeds on any succulent 

19 



fo«d during its early life and when grown attains a length of about one and 
one-half inches. It has a broad stripe on each side, longitudinal stripes on 
its back, is dark in color and has very few hairs. 

The larva pupates in rubbish and waste places. This stage lasts about 




Army Worms at Work on Corn Plant 



two weeks. There are, as a rule, two to three broods in one season. The 
iast brood hiberniates either as a pupa, larva or moth. 

One type of armyworm, known as the fall armyworm, differs from the 
true armyworm inasmuch as it is slightly more hairy, having large and more 
prominent black tubercles, and by a white inverted "V" on its foi-ehead. The 
fall armyworm is especially injurious in the alfalfa fields of the west. 

Certain diseases attack the larva, and insect parasites destroy a great 
many, yet it is found necessary to combat the pest in other ways. When 
the worms march in great armies from field to field it has been found very 
offective to plow a deep furrow in front of them. Holes should be dug in the 
furrows every ten or fifteen feet. As the worms fall into the holes, they 
can be crushed or killed with kerosene. In smooth pasture land and short 
meadows the worms can be killed with a heavy roller, 

20 



THE CHINCH BUG 




Chinch Bug — Five Stages of Development, and the Eggs on Roots 



The chinch bug is a small black bug about one-fourth of an inch long, 
with white and black wings which when folded make a white cross on the 
tack. The chinich bug is a sucking insect and gets its food by inserting its. 
beak into the plant. When first hatched it is red in color and quite small- 
Chinch bugs have a very offensive odor. 

The parent bugs live over the winter under old rubbish, along fence lines' 
and in other waste places. The mother bug comes out when warm spring 
days appear and lays eggs in the wheat arnd other grain fields. The eggs begin 
to hatch in May and continue until late in the summer. The eggs for later- 
broods are usually laid at the base of weeds in the cornfield. 

Chinch bugs are more numerous and do much more damage in dry 
seasons than in wet. They have caused thousands of dollars of damage 
to crops in this state. They may increase in number for three or four years, 
and then almost entirely disappear There is x white fungus called the 
chinch bug fungus, the growth of which is favored by wet seasons. This 
fungus grows on the body of the chinch bug and kills it. 

The fence lines around the fields should be kept free from all trash and 
rubbish, and the weeds should be mowed and burned. Chinch bugs rarely 
ever do serious damage to the oat crop. But in seasons favorable to them 
may do serious damage to wheat, rye, barley, and forage crops. When the 
wheat is cut about the 4th of July, they may pass from this field into the 
cornfield. When they appear in such numbers, it is advisable to plow a. 

21 



strip ten to fifteen feet wide between the infested field and tlie cornfield. 
Plow a furrow thru this broken strip, makiijjg the sides as vertical as pos- 
sible. Pulverize a narrow strip on each side of tne furrows, dig holes two 
feet deep in the bottom of this furrow, about ten to fifteen feet apart. The 
insects upon reaching the ditch will tumble in, and are unable to climb up 
the steep sides. They can then be killed by dragging a log up and down the 
furrow with a horse. Those which fall into the deeper holes can be de- 
stroyed with coal-oil. Some farmers place a tar lime between the affected 
fields and the first trench. This will prove very effective. 

CUTWORMS 




Cutworm 

The cutworms vary in color from light brov/ni to dark brow*. They 
have a smooth skin and often stripes running the long way of their bodies. 
Cutworms injure the plant by eating off the leaves and often cut the plant 
off close to the ground. They work at night and spend the day time curled up 
under clods, or bury themselves just bemeath the surface of the ground. 

The eggs from which these worms are hatched are laid in grass laads 
late in the season by grayish-brown moths. These eggs hatch the same fall 
and the young larvae live on the roots of grass until severe weather sets in. 
They then bury themselves in the ground until the next spring. The num- 




Moth of Cut Worm 



ber of broods varies from one to three, depending on the species. In most 
cases the larva has reached its maturity by the first of July, after which it 
pupates. The moth appears toward the latter part of the season. It is always 
advisable to plant a field effected with cutworms late in the season, as they 
are most injurious the year following sod. Early plowing is one of the best 
methods of preventing it from destroying the crop. Poisoning has also 
proved effective. When a field is located along the side of a meadow, it 
has been found effective to poison fresh clover with a solution of one pound 
of Paris green to fifty gallons of water and sprinkle along the border rows. 
It is also beneficial to mix one pound of Paris green with thirty pounds of 
bran and apply to the field with a drill. 

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GRASSHOPPERS 




Grasshopper 

There are many forms of grasshoppers, but the same methods of de- 
structions apply to practically all. Grasshoppers are so generally known, 
that it is not necessary to give a description of them in this bulletin. 

In the fall the female lays her eggs in bunches or pods in the ground. 
These pods contain from twenty to fifty eggs and are usually buried about 
one inch deep. The eggs are usually deposited aloiig fence rows, ditches, 
waste corners, meadows, etc. The hoppers are hatched the following spring. 
At first the damage of the nymphs, as the youni; hoppers are called, is not 
very noticeable but after they grow older their presence is often disastrous 
to certain growing crops. 

Late fall plowing and deep disking has been found very effective in 
destroying these pests. Either implement disturbs the egg pods by break- 
ing, burying, and turning them to the surface where they can be destroyed 
by the sun, birds, and other natural enemies. 

The jumping kind of grasshoppers can be destroyed by mixing one pound 
of Paris green with twenty pounds of bran together with enough water to 
thoroly moisten the mixture. This mixture can be made into balls and 
scattered along the edge of the field where the hoppers are doing the injury. 
The only obJ,ection to this mixture is that birds and poultry are likely tO' 
eat it and be killed. This can be largely avoided by using fresh horse 
manure instead of bran. 




"HopperDozer" 

Where the ground is level, a hopper dozer can be used to good advantage- 
Ihis machine can be easily and cheaply made. It consists only of a long^ 
sheet iron pan fastened to two runners and having a strong piece of cloth 

23 



fastened to the back of the pan to an upright frame. Place water in the 
l.an and add enough coal-oil to form a thin film over the surface. Hitch a 
horse to one of the outside runners and bring a rope from the other outside 
lunner to the hame-staple of the harness. As the hopper dozer is dragged 
thru the field many of the grasshoppers fly against the apron and drop 
into the solution. The hopper dozer has proved most successful on alfalfa 
and clover fields. 

Certain fungus diseases have proved effective in some localities. 



WHITE GRUBS 




White Grub, Beetle, Egg, Larva and Pupa 



The life cycle of white grubs is very interesting. The eggs which pro- 
duce them are laid by the female "June Bugs" or "May Beetles." These 
beetles are thick-bodied and brown in color. They are often seen flying 
about electric lights, lamps, etc., at night. The beetles live but a short 
time. The females usually lay their eggs during June. The eggs are gen- 
erally deposited two inches in the ground and hatch in from ten days to 
three weeks. The young grubs eat the roots of grass the first season. They 
hibernate as a larva and appear in the same form the next spring. In June 
or July of the second year they pupate and during August they appear in 
the adult stage. The adult usually does not leave its birthplace until the 
ijext spring, when it comes forth in the form of a "June Bug." 

When corn is attacked by white grubs it turns yellow and the roots 

are very short and frayed at the end. If th,e grub is not found at the root 

of a plant that appears to be affected, it may often be located by digging in 
the earth a foot or two on each side. 

24 



Owing to the fact that the life-history of the white grubs extends over 
nearly three years and that they damage so many different kinds of plants, 
it has been found difficult to entirely destroy the pest. Fall plowing is one 
of the most effective methods of destruction. It is also advisable to turn 
hogs on fall plowed soil. The first crop of corn should be kept as clean as 
possible; this will prevent the beetles from depositing eggs in the field. As 
clover is seldom attacked by the white grub, one or two years of clover 
will materially aid in its destruction. 



WIREWORMS 

Wireworms are usually of a reddish-brown color, and vary from three 
fourths of an inch to one inch and a half in length. The body, which is 
almost bare, is very slender and about the same width thruout. The 
furface of the wireworm is hard. The body is composed of thirteen seg- 
Hients or sections. The six pairs of short legs are fastened on the three 
segments just back of the head. A single leg which somewhat resembles 
8 sucker is located on the thirteenth segment. 

The click-beetles, so called because of the snapping noise they make 
when laid on their backs, lay the eggs that produce the wireworms in the 
earth. These eggs are usually laid in meadows, pastures, or other grass lands. 




Wire Worm, and Adult or "Clickbeetle" 

In the spring the wireworm comes forth from the ground and feeds 
on the young roots. There insects are often found in our lawn grasses 
but not in sufficient number to do great damage. After the ground is broken 
up and planted to corn, we find them attacking the hills of com in great 
numbers. They may not only destroy the roots of the young plants, but 
cften eat the grain itself before it has germinated. 

They remain in this worm or larva stage for two years. They then 
pupate or pass into a dormant stage. This generally occurs late in the 
summer — July or August. After three or four weeks a long, brownish beetle, 
known as the click-beetle, comes forth. This beetle either buries itself in 
the ground or hides under rubbish, or in other sheltered places. 

The wireworms do not confine their ravages to corn alone, but injure 
almost every crop on the farm. 

After the worm has once attacked a plant no poison can be applied that 
will kill the worm and yet not injure the plant. As the larva lives two years, 
rotation of crops does not. entirely eradicate this pest, which often does its 
worst damage the second year after plowing. When the sod is plowed in the 
fall it is often advisable to sow to winter-wheat. If clover or oats follow the 
winter-wheat the two years necessary to develop the larva will have passed. 

The ground should be fall plowed as this will turn the pupa to the 
surface where they can be eaten by birds and destroyed by freezing. 

25 



When it is necessary to replant the corn, it is advisable to straddle 
the old rows. The worms will stay around the old plants for some time 
if left; otherwise, they would immediately attack the corn last planted. 
The first planting can be plowed out later on. 

STALK-BORER 




Adult Moth of the Stalkborer 



Because of the nature of its injury this pest is sometimes called the 
"Heart Worm." The stalk-borer attacks wheat, oats, timothy, potatoes, corn 
— in fact, a large number of plants with soft or pithy stems. 



Larva of the Stalkborer Working in Wheat 



The larva is from an inch to an inch and a quarter in length and of 
various shades of purplish brown, the color depending on the age of the 
larva. This pest is easily recognized by five white stripes running the entire 
length of its back and a white stripe on each side extending back from the 
fourth segment. The mouse-colored, night-flying moth of the stalk-boi'er 
lays the eggs that produce the larvae. These eggs are laid in the fall in the 
grass and either hatch the same fall or the next spring. The larvae live on 
weeds and grasses when first hatched, but when more mature attack culti- 
vated crops. Plants injured by the stalk-borer usually turn white at the 
top, although the remainder of the plant may remain its usual color. This 
light color of the top is due to the larvae boring into the stem. Corn is 
usually attacked when it is less than two feet high. The stalk-borer enters 
thru a small hole made in the stem and burrows upward from this en- 
trance. After the larva has once entered the stem, no remedy can be applied 
that will eradicate the pest without injury to the plant. However, one can 
do much toward its eradication by destroying the grass lands in which the 
larva first appear. When the heads of timothy and other grasses begin to 
turn white, due to the presence.of the stalk-borer, it should be made into hay 
and removed at once. It is very seldom that an entire field is destroyed, as 
the ravages of the stalk-borer is usually confined to the borders. 

26 



CORN-ROOT APHIS 




Corn-Root Aphis, Winged and Wingless 



The corn-root aphis, also knqwn as the corn-root louse, is a pest which 
has been rapidly increasing the last few years. Plants affected by corn-root 
rphis will appear jellow and warped. No other signs may be visible, as the 
aphis w^orks on the roots, where it sucks the liquid nourishment from the plant. 

The corn-root aphis is a soft bluish green insect. It is so sluggish and 
helpless that it is unable to make its own way about. Therefore it is carried 
fiom place to place by the common red field ant. This ant does not injure 
the corn directly, but it takes care of the eggs of the aphis which are laid 
in the' fall. Very little injury is done by the aphis when alone, as it moves 
so very slowly, but when the field ant and the root aphis work in conjunction 
great damage is sometimes done. The first generation of aphids are wing- 
less; the second generation contains both winged and wingless young. 
Aphids are also known to produce living young which lay the eggs in the 
:ate fall for the ants to store away. There are about twelve generations in 
one season. One female will give birth to ten or fifteen living young. 

Since the corn-root aphis is found in greater quantities on ground which 
has been in corn several years, a short rotation period in corn is advisable. 
This is especially effective during quite dry years. Deep plowing, either 
spring or fall, together with deep disking is one of the best known pre- 
ventives. This method of cultivation destroys many of the ant burrows 
which contain the eggs of the aphis. It will also rid the field of weeds upon 
Vvhich the young root lice feed until the corn begins to grow. 



NORTHERN CORN-ROOT WORM 




Northern Corn-Root Worm Larva 




Eqg of Northern 
Corn-Root Wor/n 




Northerii Corn Root Worm, Adult Beetle 



The northern corn-root worm is about as large around as a common 
needle and varies in length from one-half to three-fifths of an inch. It is 
white thruout with the exception of its head, a spot on the last segment, 
end the top of the first segment, which are of a light brown color. 

The beetle lays the eggs that produce the larvae in the cornfield about 
one inch beneath the sui'face of the ground, where they remain thruott 
the winter. In June the larvae come forth and immediately attacks the 
toots of the young corn plants. 

The corn-root worm does its greatest damage during the months of June, 
July and August. When the larva has reached its maturity it buries itself in 
the ground and pupates. From these pupas come little pale-green beetles, 
about one-fourth of an inch long, which are the adult form of the corn-root 
worm. These beetles feed en the silks of the ears, but do very little damage. 
The female beetles deposit their eggs in the ground, in cornfields, during 
September and October. 

The first indication that a field is infested with corn-root worms is the 
stunted, dwarfed appearance of the corn. Tliis is due to the fact that some 
of the roots have been cut, diminishing the amount of nourishment. Ground 
planted to corn for several years is sometimes so badly infested that the 
stalks will bear nothing but nubbins. When wind strikes a field in which 



corn-root worms^ kave been working, the whole plant falls, often exposing 

Ihe injured roots. This uprooting of the corn is often incorrectly attributed 

to wornout soil. Often after a heavy rain the short, lacerated roots will 
give way and the stalks lodge. 

These pests are easily destroyed by a rotation of crops, as they eat 
nothing but corn roots. When the corn roots are removed they starve to 
death. It is advisable not to keep the same piece of ground in corn more than 
two years in succession but change with small grains, clover, and alfalfa. 



THE EARWORM 





The Corn-Ear Worm, Adult Moth, Larvae, Pupa and Eggs 



The corn earworm varies in color from light green to dark brown and 
has stripes running length v/ise of its bo(^, which is nearly bare. Its head 
is yellow and its legs are almost black. It feeds on over seventy different 
plants and is known as the corn worm, cotton ballv/orm, tomato worm, etc. 

The corn earworm passes the winter in the pupa stage three or four 
inches below the surface of the ground. The moth emerges from the pupa 
during the latter part of May and the first part of June. One female moth 
can produce about two thousand eggs, but they probably average in the 
neighborhood ot five hundred. These eggs are usually laid in the curled 
leaf of the young plant and soon hatch. The caterpillars are full grown in 
three weeks. There are three generations in one year. The leaves of the 
young corn plant are eaten by the first generation, the larvae of the second 
generation destroy ,the silks and tassels, the larvae of the third generation 
attack the hardening ears. 

No remedy is known that will entirely destroy these pests. However, 
the following suggestions may prove helpful: Plow late in the fall or early 
in the winter. This will turn many of the pupa to the surface. Give clean 
cultivation and keep down weeds along fence lines. Planting corn early 
has doubtless proved the most successful. 



29 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



020 075 142 5 




mi 
fe'4 

Corn Plant Infested by 
Corn-Ear Worm 




Young Corn Plant Injured by 
the Corn-Ear Worm 





A Corn Root Entirely Destroyed 
by the Corn-Root Worm 



Ears Injured by the Corn Ear 
Worm 



30 



CORN BILL-BUGS 

These aiv some of the very few corn destroying insect? that do their 
greatest damage ii n the adult stage. Corn on sod land is most conmonly injured. 

The corn bill-bug .3 are rather large, black or dark br>wn in color, and 
have a strong snout of Jieak, at the lower end of whic2 are strong, sharp 
jaws. The footless larva of tn\,'^ bill-bug is white, wit^ a hard, dark brown 
head. It feeds on the roots of "itimothy and othrr grasses. The larva 
pupates in the fall, and the winter is passed^ in the6,dult stage. The bill-bug 
attacks the stem and leaves of the corn plant. Working with its head down 
it eats long, irregular holes in the stem and tissues of the young plant 




Corn Bill-Bugs — Adults. Larva, With Injured Corn Plant 



v/hich is very noticeable as the plant develops. The damage done each 
year by these pests varies greatly. 

Late planted corn is rarely greatly injured by the bill-bug. This is a very 
common practice among experienced farmers. However, there is one species 
found in low, swampy places that attacks the corn as late as June. Fall 
I'lowing is injurious to the development of all known species of bill-bugs. 

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LIBRPRY OF CONGRESS 

nil! 



002 815 025 8 
THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE 

There is nP insect that is so injurious to the potato crop r^s the potato 
beetle or "bug." The original home of this pest was doubt'iess the upper 
Mississippi Vallef, altho at the present time potato beet) es are found in 
practically all potUo-growing localities. It is so well kn own that a descrip- 
tion seems hardly necessary. However, as it is -^^ten confused with the 
ladybug and blister beetle, the amateur potf>+ grower may find a brief 
ciescriptien helpful. 

The potato beetle ^^ about thr*^^ -eighths of an inch long, very plamp, 
being almost as wide as i^is lonp-^. it is light yellow in color with ten black 
stripes running lengthwise of the wings. The larvae are ugly, soft, slim 
creatures. They are dark red when first hatched but become lighter in 
color as they mrture. There are generally two generations in one 
season, altho some authorities have reported three. The beetles hibernate; 
that is, pass into the "resting" stage in the ground generally at a depth of 




Potato Beetle. Showing Different Stages of Development 



eight or ten inches. They appear again early in the spring. At this season 
they fly a great deal during the warmer part of the day. These flights gen- 
erally take place before the potatoes appear above the ground. As sooa as 
the potatoes are up the beetles turn their attention to the tender sprouts. 
After a few days of feeding, the females deposit the eggs, which number 
from five hundred to one thousand in a single year. These eggs v/hich 
usually hatch in from four to seven days are deposited on the underside of 
leaves. The larvae which pass thru four stages, mature in from sixteen 
days to three weeks, after which they pupate. They remain in' the pupa 
stage about ten days. 

The Colorado potato beetle has many natural enemies. Many insects, 
Ihe most common of which is the ladybug, feed on the larvae and eggs. 
Quails, robins, crows, and many other birds destroy these pests by the 
millions each season. Chickens, ducks, skunks, snakes, and toads eat potato 
bugs with relish. However, these natural methods are not sufficient to 
completely control the beetle, and sprays are often resorted to in order to 
save the crop. A very effective spray can be made by mixing one pound 
of Paris green and one pound of lime with one hundred gallons of M^ater. 
Ihis solution should be applied with a hand sprinkler or a spray pump. 



32 



